AI-assisted analysis based on the official CRS summary. Source version: Jul 1, 2026. Analysis updated: Sep 20, 2026.
01 — The Text
What.
- Current law allows federal regulators to waive a 10% deposit concentration limit for acquiring failed or failing insured banks under certain conditions.
- The bill adds two new requirements before regulators can grant such waivers: (1) determining the merger is necessary to prevent significant economic disruption or financial instability, and (2) confirming the FDIC has not received a qualified bid from a company not subject to concentration limits.
- The bill establishes capitalization and management standards for what qualifies as a competitive bid.
- Regulators must report to Congress when they approve concentration limit waivers, explaining the circumstances and justification.
02 — The Stakes
So what?
- The bill makes it harder for regulators to approve acquisitions of failing banks by companies that would exceed the 10% deposit concentration limit.
- Acquiring companies without concentration restrictions become more attractive to regulators, as regulators must confirm no such qualified alternative bid exists before granting a waiver.
- Congressional reporting requirements create transparency around when and why concentration limits are waived.
03 — The Path
Now what?
- The House passed the bill by voice vote on July 14, 2026, under suspension of rules.
- The Senate received the bill and referred it to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs on July 15, 2026.
- No further action has been recorded as of the latest update.
Legislative History
Actions.
- Jul 15, 2026 — Received in the Senate and Read twice and referred to the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs.
- Jul 14, 2026 — Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
- Jul 14, 2026 — On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H4438-4440)
- Jul 14, 2026 — Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
- Jul 14, 2026 — DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 6556.
- Jul 14, 2026 — Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H4438-4441)
- Jul 14, 2026 — Mr. Hill (AR) moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
- Feb 2, 2026 — Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 406.